Newspaper: Stonington not prepared for flooding

STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Were some cities and towns not prepared to handle the flooding that Sandy brought? One national newspaper says yes.

"What did you think when you saw this second-worst rating," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Yeah I was very disappointed in that because Stonington is one of only 10 communities in Connecticut that we participate in a community rating system," said First Selectman Ed Haberek.

The USA Today article cites the FEMA program and rating system, which gives discounts to folks who live in communities that prepare for floods by warning about flood prone zones and stopping building in those areas. The First Selectman says Stonington sends out a newsletter to those in flood zones and provides high tech maps to them.

"We actually do digital maps and advise them on their flood plain levels," said Haberek, "this allows them to save 5 percent on their premiums."

The higher the rating, the more people save on flood insurance. Other Connecticut towns also rated poorly. East Haven, Norwalk, and Westbrook are among the worst, while East Lyme joins Stonington as second-worst. No doubt they also disagree with the article.

"As towns we try to help our residents as much as possible to let them know," said Haberek.

There are a lot of losses. Things which were in one house are now in a dumpster. News 8 wanted to find out if folks who live there feel the town has done enough to let them know about the risks.

"Do you think the town does a good job or not a good job in letting folks know if they're in a potential flood zone," asked Detelj.

"I think they do, yeah, yeah I think they do," said Jan & Susan Lindberg.

"Does it sound like they just want towns to say you can't build here," asked Detelj.

"I think so," said Haberek, "and again you have the first amendment rights that happen here that someone decides to build there."

The town has also built a breakwater to slow down damaging waves, but it couldn't stop Sandy's destruction.